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Synonyms

nuclear physics

American  
[noo-klee-er fiz-iks, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈfɪz ɪks, ˈnyu- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

  1. the branch of physics that deals with the behavior, structure, and component parts of atomic nuclei.

nuclear physics British  

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the structure and behaviour of the nucleus and the particles of which it consists

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
nuclear physics Scientific  

  1. The scientific study of the structure and behavior atomic nuclei.

  2. See also neutron proton strong force

Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

  • nuclear physicist noun

Etymology

Origin of nuclear physics

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This holds the same profound implications for defense and intelligence today as nuclear physics did 80 years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Pearcey, who has doctorate in nuclear physics, has been a prominent local campaigner.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

It’s going from social media and crypto into nuclear physics.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

While in the Navy, Carter took graduate courses in nuclear physics and served as a submariner on the USS Pomfret.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2024

Meitner responded immediately, agreeing that the news was amazing, but adding: “We have experienced so many surprises in nuclear physics that one cannot say without hesitation about anything: ‘it’s impossible.’

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.